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Celiac disease is often associated with digestive symptoms, but its signs can be much more varied—and sometimes surprisingly subtle. You may recognize bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain as possible symptoms, but the signs of celiac disease can also include joint pain, headaches, anemia and more.
Celiac disease affects about 1 in 100 people, yet millions of people remain undiagnosed. One reason? The symptoms vary quite a bit from person to person, and they don’t always have a clear tie to eating gluten. Some people have very few or even no noticeable symptoms at all.
Let’s break down the most common signs and symptoms of celiac disease, including a few that you might not expect.
If you’re not familiar with celiac disease, it’s a genetic autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to damage the intestines when exposed to gluten.
In celiac disease, the more common digestive symptoms are diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. But many of the other symptoms of celiac disease may surprise you—like other autoimmune diseases, it can cause numerous symptoms across different parts of the entire body.
In fact, the majority of people living with celiac disease are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions, and many will live their entire lives with the disease without knowing they had it.
Celiac disease is almost impossible to diagnose on symptoms alone and requires testing. But getting an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make a significant difference in how you feel, help you manage symptoms and support intestinal healing.
That’s why understanding the signs of celiac disease is so important. Recognizing a pattern of unexplained or persistent symptoms can help you know when it’s time to talk to your doctor about testing.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of celiac disease to be aware of. If several of these signs sound familiar, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about your symptoms.
Abdominal pain is one of the more commonly known signs of celiac disease. It may feel like cramping, discomfort or pain after eating gluten-containing foods.
Bloating and excessive gas are also common with celiac disease. You may notice persistent fullness, distension or discomfort, particularly after meals.
Celiac disease can sometimes affect how you think and feel mentally, a symptom often described as “brain fog.” You may have difficulty concentrating, remembering things or thinking clearly.
Chronic or recurrent diarrhea is a common digestive sign of celiac disease. Stools may also be unusually bulky, pale, greasy or difficult to flush.
Although diarrhea is more commonly associated with celiac disease, constipation can also occur. Damage to the small intestine can interfere with normal digestion and nutrient absorption, potentially contributing to changes in bowel habits.
You may be surprised to learn that celiac disease can be associated with changes in mood, including depression and anxiety. These symptoms may occur alongside digestive symptoms or on their own.
Many people with celiac disease also experience persistent fatigue, even after getting a full night’s sleep.
Frequent headaches or migraines can occur in people with celiac disease. Sometimes, these headaches may occur along with other neurological symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating or brain fog.
Iron-deficiency anemia can sometimes be a clue to undiagnosed celiac disease, especially if iron levels remain low despite taking iron supplements. Damage to the small intestine can interfere with the absorption of iron and other nutrients.
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an intensely itchy and blistering skin rash associated with celiac disease. It most often affects the elbows, knees, buttocks or scalp.
Joint pain or stiffness can also be a sign of celiac disease. Some people experience discomfort in multiple joints.
Celiac disease can sometimes affect reproductive health, causing irregular or missed menstrual periods and sometimes fertility challenges. Nutrient deficiencies, changes in weight and the body’s broader immune system response may all play a role.
Recurring mouth ulcers or canker sores may be another sign of celiac disease. They can be related to nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in
Some people experience nausea and vomiting after eating gluten. If you experience persistent or unexplained nausea or vomiting—especially when accompanied by other signs on this list—consider talking to your doctor.
Celiac disease can affect bone health by interfering with the absorption of nutrients like calcium and vitamin D that are important for maintaining strong bones. Over time, this can contribute to low bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that can cause numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in the hands or feet. In people with celiac disease, these nerve symptoms may be related to the autoimmune response or to nutritional deficiencies.
Celiac disease can sometimes impact the function of the spleen, a condition known as hyposplenism. Reduced spleen activity can make you more susceptible to certain infections.
Some people experience unintentional weight loss because of how celiac disease damages the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients.
Celiac disease can develop at any age, and the signs in children can look different depending on their age. Many of the same symptoms seen in adults can also occur in children, but there are additional signs that may be more noticeable in kids.
Poor growth or short stature, delayed puberty and delayed development can occur when celiac disease interferes with the absorption of nutrients. Younger children may also have a swollen or distended belly, irritability, changes in appetite or pale, foul-smelling stools.
In older children and teens, symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, anemia, headaches or changes in mood may be more prominent.
Some children have few or no obvious digestive symptoms, which can make celiac disease particularly difficult to recognize. If your child has persistent unexplained symptoms or growth concerns, especially if you have a close family member with celiac disease, talk with your pediatrician about whether testing is a good idea for your family.
If several of these signs of celiac disease sound familiar, bring it up with your doctor. Many of these symptoms can be attributed to other causes, but it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about any unexplained or persistent changes in your health.
Start with either your primary care provider or a gastroenterologist if you already have a relationship with one. Your primary care provider can refer you to a specialist if needed.
Your doctor can order blood tests to screen for celiac disease and recommend additional testing to confirm the diagnosis. Even if you notice a pattern connecting your symptoms to gluten, don’t start a gluten-free diet before you’re tested, as removing gluten can affect test results and make celiac disease harder to diagnose.
The good news is, if you have celiac disease, there are lifestyle changes you can make to stay healthy and feel well. Although not an easy task, strict gluten avoidance from your diet allows your body to heal itself and over time, resolve any symptoms associated with celiac disease.
You may be encouraged to see a dietitian for individualized support in making these dietary changes. Fortunately, there are many delicious foods that are naturally gluten-free, and more and more gluten-free products are hitting the supermarket shelves every day. A dietitian can help make the process easier for you and your family as you adjust to gluten-free living.
Noticing signs of celiac disease? Talk to your primary care provider or find one near you today.
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